InsideMDSports: Terps in early on DeMatha forward Joe Hampton

One of the most impressive players Saturday at the DMVElite80 was DeMatha power forward Joe Hampton (DC Assault). Hampton not only had a chance to play alongside Dion Wiley and Melo Trimble, but the sophomore ended up carrying the offense frequently, showing off a great shooting touch from all over the court.

Trimble, who knows Hampton well from playing with DC Assault, found the 6-foot-6 prospect on several assists on perfectly executed pick-and-pop plays. The two appeared to have great chemistry on the court as well as off the court.

“He knows my strengths, I know his strengths," Hampton said of Trimble. "I know he can shoot, he knows what I can do. It’s a good fit for us. [Our relationship] is real funny. He’s a good dude and a good basketball player. We’re real close, talk a lot, and actually we work out a lot together, too.”

Trimble isn't the only one in his ear about Maryland either. Mark Turgeon checked out a recent DeMatha practice to let Hampton know where he stands as a priority in the class of 2016. Turgeon told him he wants him on campus soon. Hampton said he plans to attend Maryland Madness and hopefully get up to a football game soon.

“I talked to Turgeon. He’s a cool guy," Hampton said. "I like the way he coaches, I like the program he has so far. I think it’s a great school. He just told me that he’s real interested and the move to the Big Ten is a big step for them and he thinks I’d look good in it.”

Hampton's tough, physical style seems like a great match for the Big Ten. Hampton sees himself as a potentially dominant post player.

“In the future in college I see myself as a 3/4 depending on who I have defending me," he said. "I have a good post game and can take anyone in the post.”

Syracuse was also in the gym recently to see Hampton. Georgetown, Virginia, West Virginia, Boston College, Syracuse, Notre Dame and Miami also have entered the race early. Xavier has extended him an offer.

Maryland, however, figures to be one of the biggest players in his recruitment. The 2016 forward, ranked No. 33 in 247Sports' 2016 rankings, said "of course" Maryland is one of his top schools.